EditorsNote: Changed "eight" to "seven" in next-to-last graf; Added new final graf with Keuchel's line; Also added Plesac's line
Jose Ramirez ripped a go-ahead two-run double to cap a four-run seventh inning as the host Cleveland Indians completed a four-game sweep with a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
Cesar Hernandez collected three hits and as many RBIs for the Indians (33-24), who have won five in a row overall and eight of 10 against the White Sox (34-23) this season. Cleveland, which resides one game behind second-place Chicago, aims to keep its hot streak going on Friday when it opens a three-game series against Pittsburgh.
Nomar Mazara had a two-run single and Yolmer Sanchez launched a solo homer for Chicago, which extended its season-high losing streak to five games. The White Sox look to get back on track Friday at home when they begin a three-game series against the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs.
The Indians answered Chicago's three-run seventh inning by promptly loading the bases against Jimmy Cordero. Hernandez greeted Carlos Rodon (0-2) by plating Mike Freeman and Tyler Naquin with a single to right field before Ramirez's double to center gave Cleveland a 5-4 lead.
The late offense made a winner out of Cameron Hill (2-0), who retired all four batters he faced in relief of starter Zach Plesac. Brad Hand struck out a pair of batters in the ninth inning for his 15th save of the season.
Yoan Moncada recorded just the second hit off Plesac when he tripled to center field to lead off the seventh inning. Moncada didn't stay there for long, however, as he came around to score on Yasmani Grandal's groundout to give the White Sox a 2-1 lead.
Chicago didn't stop there, however. Jose Abreu walked and advanced to third on Eloy Jimenez's double, with both players coming around to score on Mazara's two-run single to left-center field.
Plesac retired his first seven batters before Sanchez deposited an 0-1 curveball over the wall in right field to open the scoring in the third inning. Sanchez's homer was his first of the season. Plesac finished his 6 2/3 innings by allowing four runs and four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
Cleveland answered in its half of the inning, with Roberto Perez ripping a one-out double off Dallas Keuchel before coming around to score on Hernandez's ground-rule double to right field.
Keuchel threw six innings for Chicago in a no-decision, allowing just one run and four hits. He gave up two walks while striking out three, getting lifted after throwing 93 pitches.
--Field Level Media
